Weather Drives Lower State Fair Attendance
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana State Fair Commission says an average heat index of 87 degrees and nine days of rain led to a decrease in attendance at this year’s Indiana State Fair. The fair saw a total of more than 730,000 attendees, a 19.4 percent drop from last year.
However, the commission says the weather cleared up enough for a new final Sunday attendance record to be set with more than 83,000 attendees. Last year’s fair was the fifth-largest attended fair with more than 907,000 total visitors.
"The mission of the Indiana State Fair is to promote agriculture and connect farmers with consumers, and this Fair we got a glimpse of what a farmer can deal with during a season with less than favorable weather," said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. "The challenges this year showed how resilient this team can be at still providing a great Fair for those that did come out, even in the heat and rain."
The commission adds that the Indiana State Fair Foundation was able to complete its campaign to raise $10 million toward the renovation of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, along with the additions of the Pop Weaver Pavillion and Cheri Daniels Youth Arena. It was the first fundraising effort for the foundation, which was established in 2011.
Despite weather challenges, State Fair Spokesperson Lesley Gordon says fair leaders were able to announce the completion of the Coliseum Campaign.